Lanka Premier League 2023: Colombo conquer Kandy, return to form

BABAR AZAM LED from the front as Colombo Strikers beat Kandy Falcons by a substantial 27 run margin in the Lanka Premier League today.

Batting first, Colombo struggled to deal with Isuru Udana (3/39) and Muhammad Hasnain (2/27) who kept taking wickets at regular intervals. But Babar Azam (59 off 52) and Nuwanidu Fernando (28 off 31) did their best to stabilise the innings and helped them get to 157/6.

Although not the toughest target to chase, Kandy struggled to get to it as Colombo bowlers made every run count. Matheesha Patirana (3/24) and Naseem Shah (2/19) practically ruined 8 overs of their innings with their tight, wicket-taking bowling spells.

Angelo Mathews (25 off 22) got going but he fell before he was set on the crease. Sarfaraz Ahmed (16 not out off 21) could only try to hold onto one end; but it was not enough as on the other side wickets kept falling. Ultimately, Kandy could only make 130/8 in their 20 overs.

The win has got Colombo back to winning ways after their loss to Jaffna on opening night. Kandy are not off to a good start in their LPL 2023 campaign and currently occupy the bottom of the table.

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